Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush with Sanitizer Review.
"Goodbye Oral-B, you were good, but not this good" 2007-10-29
By T.J. (Texas)
I have been a very happy Oral-B (Braun) user for about the last 4 years. During that time I've gone through 2 of their higher-end brushes. I've never been one to bad-mouth Sonicare, because it's a good brush, but I just preferred the smaller size of the Oral-B, along with the pop-off brush heads. Now however, Sonicare has changed that with their new model, the Flexcare.
I purchased this model because it was recommended by a dentist who said that the new Flexcare is not just a new style of brush, but that it actually has a greatly improved brushing technology. So, I bought a brush online and proceeded to try it out. Wow.
After having used the Flexcare, it doesn't even seem possible to compare it to my old Oral-B (which is only a year old.) This brush actually seems 20 years more advanced, and that is not an exaggeration. It has a bit of a high-pitch to it which doesn't bother me, but the real story is in the vibration. The brush seems to work exponentially better with 80% less vibration; it's a dream to use. I actually get sad after it auto-shuts off after the brushing cycle, something that I wish it didn't do. Also, and perhaps most important, is that it feels like it cleans my teeth better than my Oral-B. After using the Flexcare for awhile, I went back to my old Oral-B, just to compare... As soon as I turned it on, I couldn't believe that I loved it so much, it felt like, and sounded like an antique in comparison.
The different brushing modes on the Flexcare are really nice, but there is a small problem with all your options. One thing I'd like to be able to do is to "program" the brush to do the 3-minute brushing mode every time by default (this mode does the brushing action and also the massage action.) However, whenever you place the brush back on the charger, it automatically resets back to the 2-minute brushing mode. Programming the brush for the mode that you like every time you pick it up is not hard, but it's really annoying. Sonicare: please fix this in later models.
This brush comes with 2 chargers, one for home (with the sanitizer) and a travel one (without a sanitizer.) It also comes with a brush head cover, and a travel pouch to put the wand in. These accessories will make traveling with my brush much more enjoyable. I've never understood why more electric toothbrush makers don't include or even make these accessories.
The pop-off brush heads (as compared to sonicare's old screw on heads) are fantastic and much better than the Oral-B pop-off ones. On my Oral-B I had to remove the brush head to wash out the gunk after brushing, but because the Sonicare brush heads are longer, very, very litle gunk gets in them. That was a pleasant surprise. Although, removing and attaching the brush head on the Flexcare wand requires a lot more force, which I don't like.
The U.V. sanitizer is a nice gadget, but who knows how useful it really is? In fact, there may even be some long-term immune system dangers by killing every bacteria/virus in sight, just like using anti-bacterial soap, but this is not the forum for that. I used the UV Sanitizer a few times, but I don't use it at all anymore because of what I believe to be a very real problem with all the anti-bacterial products out there these days. Although, based on the few times I did use it, I could see where its utilization on a daily basis would be cumbersome. If you brush twice a day, it becomes too much of a bother to remove the brush head every time and put it in the sanitizer. The brush head needs to be aligned perfectly in the sanitizer and the door closed and snapped gently. If you have big hands, putting the brush head into the sanitizer is more awkward, especially if you're using the large brush head (FYI: the brush heads come in 2 sizes, small and large, and one of each is included in the package.)
It's nice to see that Sonicare has FINALLY ditched the NiCad batteries and went to Li-ion batteries; what took so long? This change means that the brush will now run longer on a single charge, and won't develop a memory by leaving it on the charging stand. It's also the reason that the brush handle is now smaller which makes it more manageable.
As much as I love this brush, I do realize that the price Sonicare has marketed it at is exceedingly high. If I were to buy it again, I would save $20 and get the one without the U.V. sanitizer. Other than the high price and a little nitpicking on the brushing modes, I really couldn't be more pleased with this brush. Oral-B has a LONG way to go to catch up to this Sonicare model.
-------
Update 29 November 07
The brush still continues to amaze me and I LOVE using it everyday. I've stopped using the charging station with the UV Sanitizer and I now only use the "travel charger" for everyday use at home. One nice benefit in changing to the very, very small travel charger was that I freed up some space on my bathroom counter, and the brush is easier to set down and pickup without the sanitizer being in the way. I can't understand one reviewer who said the brush doesn't sit right or balance well on the stand. Also, I have sensitive teeth and use a sensitive toothpaste, and the brushes' actions have not bothered me at all. I'd buy this brush again in a heartbeat.
"I swear to brush the tooth, the whole tooth, and all around the tooth" 2007-09-29
By Amanda Richards (Georgetown, Guyana)
First use:
It was a dark and stormy night.
Okay, it actually wasn't stormy, and it wasn't technically "night", seeing that it was two in the morning, but it WAS very, very dark. Not a creature was stirring, not even my Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse, when I crept to the bathroom to try out my new toothbrush. I had read all the instructions twice, and having waited the minimum two hour charging period, I was ready.
Fearlessly, I pushed the shiny button until a green light appeared beside the Max Care routine. None of that sissy "sensitive" or "one minute" stuff for me - I wanted it all!! With a steady hand, I wet the bristles and applied some toothpaste, then confidently pressed the green button......
..... and nearly jumped out of my skin.
It was noisier than I thought it would have been, or maybe it was all in my head, as no-one else seemed to have heard the sonic whine, even in the wee hours of the morning. Starting with the bottom teeth, I gently moved the brush head in the back and forth motion as directed. It tingled with a sensation that was strange and a little uncomfortable. After 45 seconds of "clean" and "massage", the Quadpacer signal indicated it was time for a change of location, as it did faithfully three more times.
Observations:
1. The tingling will take some getting used to. According to the booklet, the power will increase after this for 13 more brushings, by which time I will have grown to love the sensation.
2. Toothpaste is flying everywhere. I try closing my mouth, but then I can't brush the front teeth properly. It's running down my chin too.
3. The standard brush head feels big in my mouth, I think I'll try the compact head next time.
4. My teeth really feel clean afterwards. They actually feel "dentist clean". Maybe this gadget works after all.
5. I'll let the charging process continue and play with it some more tomorrow.
Second use:
The brush is now fully charged.
I switched over to the compact head, set it to "Clean" mode and turned it on. It didn't seem so loud any more, and the tingling wasn't that bad. I was able to maneuver the compact head a lot better, and not so much toothpaste escaped. When using the brushing modes, the toothbrush turns itself off at the end of the brushing cycle. I had just begun to enjoy myself, so I started it again, this time switching to Sensitive mode and Massage mode. Way cool.
Conclusions:
Pros -
1. This toothbrush gives you "dentist clean" with every brushing
2. There are five options for personalized brushing - 3 modes and 2 routines
3. It breaks you in gently to the new sensation
4. You have a choice of two brushing heads with caps
5. It's easy to set up and easy to use
6. There's a gauge to tell you when it needs recharging
7. It comes with a small charger for when you're traveling, and a case for the toothbrush
8. It has a UV sanitizer to zap any germs that dare to live on your brushing head, and may possibly be used to clean some models of the Oral B brushing heads you may be using in other toothbrushes. NOTE: The manual says you should only clean Sonicare ProResults brush heads in the sanitizer, but the Sonicare website lists four types of brushes that can be cleaned. I don't know which is correct.
9. The base of the sanitizer/charger has a groove where you can tuck away some of the power cord so it doesn't dangle in loops from the point.
10. It looks professional
Cons -
1. It takes some getting used to, particularly if you have sensitive teeth
2. This is basically a one person model, especially if you want to use both brushing heads yourself, but it comes with color code rings, so that if two people are sharing, you can code the brushing heads and store them in the UV sanitizer.
3. The standard brush is a bit big for smaller mouths
4. Replacements for the compact brush aren't yet available for sale, and heads need to be changed every 3 months.
5. The toothbrush doesn't fit firmly into the charger base, and I had to check to make sure I put it on correctly. The toothbrush doesn't balance well standing up with the brush head and cap attached.
6. It's a bit pricey, but worth it in the long run when you consider the cost of regular professional cleaning
Overall, I'm very happy with this toothbrush, and look forward to using it for a long time to come.
Rated: 4.5 stars
Amanda Richards, September 29, 2007
"Easy to use and outstanding results!" 2007-10-08
By Krishna M. Sadasivam (Tampa, FL USA)
I have to admit that I was quite a bit skeptical about the Philips Sonicare Toothbrush. I've used electronic toothbrushes (all battery operated) in the past, and never saw a compelling difference between using them versus the traditional 'manual' toothbrush.
So, trepiditiously, I tried the Sonicare....
The device itself was easy to install (you'll have to wait two hours after initially charging the unit before you can use it). The toothbrush comes with a handy gauge that indicates its charge. Using the Sonicare was extremely easy - there's a button on the back of the toothbrush unit that you have to press in order to activate the brush. One thing I quickly learned is to not turn the toothbrush 'on' with toothpaste before putting it in your mouth - doing so will result in your toothpaste lining the base of your sink instead of your mouth.
The unit isn't overly noisy, at least to me. Brushing was easy, unobtrusive, and fairly comfortable overall. The smaller toothbrush head makes it easy to clean those hard-to-reach places - leaving my teeth and gums shiny and my breath fresh. One thing I like in particular with the Sonicare is that you do not have to apply any force while brushing. (The common cause for gums to recede is usually due to over-brushing). You simply move the toothbrush around, and the brush vibrations take care of the rest.
There are 5 brushing modes you can choose from, including one for sensitive teeth. The package also includes a travel charger and a UV sanitizer, which kills any germs which may live on your toothbrush.
For most people, this unit is overkill - but it is well thought out and works well for its intended function. I personally enjoy using mine and would recommend it without reservation.
Update: my Philips Sonicare died last week. I called Customer Service up. They sent a new one out in 3 days (with no cost to me) and provided return shipping to send the old unit back. Excellent customer service!
"Nice Upgrade" 2007-09-22
By HowardM (Virginia)
I previously had a Sonicare Elite I had purchased at Costco about 2 years ago. I really liked it over the Oral B because the Brush heads looked more like a traditional toothbrush and seemed to feel better in my mouth vs the round heads of the Oral B.
I had 3 big issues with it though.
1. It was very large and not comfortable to hold.
2. The vibration on it was crazy insane.
3. Water/Toothpaste would get into the brush head and turn all yellow and nasty.
I picked up the Sonicare FlexCare the other day and all 3 of these issues are taken care of. Its slimmer, less vibration and the toothbrush head is much smaller and just slips easily on top of a metal rod.
I'm not sure if the UV Sanitizer thing is worth it, you can't really tell if its killing germs or not but I've put the brush heads in it a few times and it seems to cause no harm so what the heck.
The old brushheads use to say they would last 6 months but the new ones are rated at 3 months. I'm going to guess the price of the brushheads are cheaper now too because they are smaller and don't have all the extra parts the older model has, I guess I'll know in about 3 months when it comes time for a replacement.
I am sorta dissatisfied with the carrying case, it looks pretty cheap. But it is nice that Philips decided to give you a small charge adapter that you can bring on a trip.
Overall Philips did a nice job on the upgrade.
"Effective teeth cleaning and gum care - I definitely recommend this item!" 2007-10-06
By Jennifer Ray (Nashville, TN United States)
DEVICE INSTALL/SETUP
The Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush required no complicated setup, simply removing the items from the packaging and plugging it in.
MANUALS/DOCUMENTATION
I was pleased to find that not only does this product come with very informative, concise written instructions, but the manuals can also be easily downloaded from the Philips' website in PDF format. This is very handy for those of us who don't always keep up as easily with the printed manuals, or who prefer to be able to text search the manual for the information we need.
FUNCTIONALITY
I have never used an electric toothbrush of any kind before, and although I've been intrigued by the idea for some time, I was a little nervous to use this one at first. Turning the toothbrush on for the first time didn't alleviate my nervousness much, as the device certainly SOUNDS powerful. To my relief, actually using the toothbrush was painless, although the first few times it tickled a bit. I have been using the toothbrush daily since September 21, 2007 and am happy to report that this product performs as advertised. In fact, my teeth feel and look as good as if I've just had them cleaned at the dentist's office. I'm brushing in half the time I did manually, and the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush is doing twice as good a job as I ever did with a standard toothbrush.
The toothbrush is packaged with a number of items, including a travel case and a travel charger which packs in a toiletry bag much easier than the countertop charger with the built in sanitizer. Also included is two toothbrush heads, a compact size and a full size.
I use the sanitizer faithfully each time I brush my teeth, but to be perfectly honest, I don't know how to judge whether the sanitizer is really making any difference or not. I love the idea of it, and I hope that it is truly keeping my toothbrush germ-free.
I particularly love the massaging function on the toothbrush, designed to prevent gingivitis by massaging the gums. With just over two weeks of regular use, I can already tell a difference here. Using the massager stimulates the gums, making them stronger and healthier. The cleaning routine I prefer, the `MaxCare', includes massage in the routine for each tooth quadrant, making it easy to incorporate into your daily brush habit without extra effort.
Speaking of the cleaning routines, there are two: MaxCare, and GoCare. I've tested the one-minute GoCare routine and found it acceptable for a rush job, but I much prefer to perform the full MaxCare routine, which runs through a 4-quadrant brush and massage cycle in three minutes. There aren't many times I can't spare my teeth that extra two minutes, and my dental health is important. After running through the brush and massage cycle for each of the four quadrants (upper front, upper back, lower front, and lower back), the toothbrush automatically shuts off.
EASE OF USE
There are a number of buttons on both the base charger/sanitizer and the cordless toothbrush, but they are simple to learn and easy to use. After checking the manual once on how to activate the cleaning routines, I've not needed to consult it again for this information. The sanitizer activates with a simple push of the button on top of the unit and shuts off automatically when it completes the sanitizing cycle.
QUALITY/DURABILITY
Of course, I'll be better able to report on this area in a year, but the product seems sturdy and built for long-term use, unlike some hardware which feels more like it is made for disposability. The product inspires confidence in me that Philips truly means this unit to last the consumer for many years, only needed to replace consumable parts such as the toothbrush heads periodically.
VALUE
This area is the real kicker. I love the toothbrush, and find myself extremely satisfied with all of its parts and features, as well as the results of brushing with it diligently for almost three weeks. Is it worth the initial investment? I think that is a question better answered by looking at your own budget and how important your dental health is to you. The general person will not likely spend this much on a toothbrush, sonic or not. In fact, it is the pricing on these units that made me waffle over the decision to invest in one for the last year. Having used it, I am now confident that it is worth the price, and am looking forward to fewer dental visits, other than the general check-ups necessary. Again, only time will tell here if that is wishful thinking on my part or a true benefit.
In the end, this is no doubt a luxury item for most, more likely to end up under the Christmas tree for those who are interested in a sonic toothbrush.
QUICK RECAP - PROS & CONS
Easy to use - I adapted easily to the button functions on the unit.
Durable - the parts feel sturdy and built to last.
Pricing a little high for most - more likely a luxury expense or gift item.
Replacement parts - Brush heads are easily ordered through [...], but I am uncertain if they can be purchased in local stores. Philips Sonicare ProResults HX6013 Brush Head Standard 3pk
Performance - Brushing with the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush leaves your teeth feeling like you've just had them professionally cleaned.
By T.J. (Texas)
I have been a very happy Oral-B (Braun) user for about the last 4 years. During that time I've gone through 2 of their higher-end brushes. I've never been one to bad-mouth Sonicare, because it's a good brush, but I just preferred the smaller size of the Oral-B, along with the pop-off brush heads. Now however, Sonicare has changed that with their new model, the Flexcare.
I purchased this model because it was recommended by a dentist who said that the new Flexcare is not just a new style of brush, but that it actually has a greatly improved brushing technology. So, I bought a brush online and proceeded to try it out. Wow.
After having used the Flexcare, it doesn't even seem possible to compare it to my old Oral-B (which is only a year old.) This brush actually seems 20 years more advanced, and that is not an exaggeration. It has a bit of a high-pitch to it which doesn't bother me, but the real story is in the vibration. The brush seems to work exponentially better with 80% less vibration; it's a dream to use. I actually get sad after it auto-shuts off after the brushing cycle, something that I wish it didn't do. Also, and perhaps most important, is that it feels like it cleans my teeth better than my Oral-B. After using the Flexcare for awhile, I went back to my old Oral-B, just to compare... As soon as I turned it on, I couldn't believe that I loved it so much, it felt like, and sounded like an antique in comparison.
The different brushing modes on the Flexcare are really nice, but there is a small problem with all your options. One thing I'd like to be able to do is to "program" the brush to do the 3-minute brushing mode every time by default (this mode does the brushing action and also the massage action.) However, whenever you place the brush back on the charger, it automatically resets back to the 2-minute brushing mode. Programming the brush for the mode that you like every time you pick it up is not hard, but it's really annoying. Sonicare: please fix this in later models.
This brush comes with 2 chargers, one for home (with the sanitizer) and a travel one (without a sanitizer.) It also comes with a brush head cover, and a travel pouch to put the wand in. These accessories will make traveling with my brush much more enjoyable. I've never understood why more electric toothbrush makers don't include or even make these accessories.
The pop-off brush heads (as compared to sonicare's old screw on heads) are fantastic and much better than the Oral-B pop-off ones. On my Oral-B I had to remove the brush head to wash out the gunk after brushing, but because the Sonicare brush heads are longer, very, very litle gunk gets in them. That was a pleasant surprise. Although, removing and attaching the brush head on the Flexcare wand requires a lot more force, which I don't like.
The U.V. sanitizer is a nice gadget, but who knows how useful it really is? In fact, there may even be some long-term immune system dangers by killing every bacteria/virus in sight, just like using anti-bacterial soap, but this is not the forum for that. I used the UV Sanitizer a few times, but I don't use it at all anymore because of what I believe to be a very real problem with all the anti-bacterial products out there these days. Although, based on the few times I did use it, I could see where its utilization on a daily basis would be cumbersome. If you brush twice a day, it becomes too much of a bother to remove the brush head every time and put it in the sanitizer. The brush head needs to be aligned perfectly in the sanitizer and the door closed and snapped gently. If you have big hands, putting the brush head into the sanitizer is more awkward, especially if you're using the large brush head (FYI: the brush heads come in 2 sizes, small and large, and one of each is included in the package.)
It's nice to see that Sonicare has FINALLY ditched the NiCad batteries and went to Li-ion batteries; what took so long? This change means that the brush will now run longer on a single charge, and won't develop a memory by leaving it on the charging stand. It's also the reason that the brush handle is now smaller which makes it more manageable.
As much as I love this brush, I do realize that the price Sonicare has marketed it at is exceedingly high. If I were to buy it again, I would save $20 and get the one without the U.V. sanitizer. Other than the high price and a little nitpicking on the brushing modes, I really couldn't be more pleased with this brush. Oral-B has a LONG way to go to catch up to this Sonicare model.
-------
Update 29 November 07
The brush still continues to amaze me and I LOVE using it everyday. I've stopped using the charging station with the UV Sanitizer and I now only use the "travel charger" for everyday use at home. One nice benefit in changing to the very, very small travel charger was that I freed up some space on my bathroom counter, and the brush is easier to set down and pickup without the sanitizer being in the way. I can't understand one reviewer who said the brush doesn't sit right or balance well on the stand. Also, I have sensitive teeth and use a sensitive toothpaste, and the brushes' actions have not bothered me at all. I'd buy this brush again in a heartbeat.
By Amanda Richards (Georgetown, Guyana)
First use:
It was a dark and stormy night.
Okay, it actually wasn't stormy, and it wasn't technically "night", seeing that it was two in the morning, but it WAS very, very dark. Not a creature was stirring, not even my Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse, when I crept to the bathroom to try out my new toothbrush. I had read all the instructions twice, and having waited the minimum two hour charging period, I was ready.
Fearlessly, I pushed the shiny button until a green light appeared beside the Max Care routine. None of that sissy "sensitive" or "one minute" stuff for me - I wanted it all!! With a steady hand, I wet the bristles and applied some toothpaste, then confidently pressed the green button......
..... and nearly jumped out of my skin.
It was noisier than I thought it would have been, or maybe it was all in my head, as no-one else seemed to have heard the sonic whine, even in the wee hours of the morning. Starting with the bottom teeth, I gently moved the brush head in the back and forth motion as directed. It tingled with a sensation that was strange and a little uncomfortable. After 45 seconds of "clean" and "massage", the Quadpacer signal indicated it was time for a change of location, as it did faithfully three more times.
Observations:
1. The tingling will take some getting used to. According to the booklet, the power will increase after this for 13 more brushings, by which time I will have grown to love the sensation.
2. Toothpaste is flying everywhere. I try closing my mouth, but then I can't brush the front teeth properly. It's running down my chin too.
3. The standard brush head feels big in my mouth, I think I'll try the compact head next time.
4. My teeth really feel clean afterwards. They actually feel "dentist clean". Maybe this gadget works after all.
5. I'll let the charging process continue and play with it some more tomorrow.
Second use:
The brush is now fully charged.
I switched over to the compact head, set it to "Clean" mode and turned it on. It didn't seem so loud any more, and the tingling wasn't that bad. I was able to maneuver the compact head a lot better, and not so much toothpaste escaped. When using the brushing modes, the toothbrush turns itself off at the end of the brushing cycle. I had just begun to enjoy myself, so I started it again, this time switching to Sensitive mode and Massage mode. Way cool.
Conclusions:
Pros -
1. This toothbrush gives you "dentist clean" with every brushing
2. There are five options for personalized brushing - 3 modes and 2 routines
3. It breaks you in gently to the new sensation
4. You have a choice of two brushing heads with caps
5. It's easy to set up and easy to use
6. There's a gauge to tell you when it needs recharging
7. It comes with a small charger for when you're traveling, and a case for the toothbrush
8. It has a UV sanitizer to zap any germs that dare to live on your brushing head, and may possibly be used to clean some models of the Oral B brushing heads you may be using in other toothbrushes. NOTE: The manual says you should only clean Sonicare ProResults brush heads in the sanitizer, but the Sonicare website lists four types of brushes that can be cleaned. I don't know which is correct.
9. The base of the sanitizer/charger has a groove where you can tuck away some of the power cord so it doesn't dangle in loops from the point.
10. It looks professional
Cons -
1. It takes some getting used to, particularly if you have sensitive teeth
2. This is basically a one person model, especially if you want to use both brushing heads yourself, but it comes with color code rings, so that if two people are sharing, you can code the brushing heads and store them in the UV sanitizer.
3. The standard brush is a bit big for smaller mouths
4. Replacements for the compact brush aren't yet available for sale, and heads need to be changed every 3 months.
5. The toothbrush doesn't fit firmly into the charger base, and I had to check to make sure I put it on correctly. The toothbrush doesn't balance well standing up with the brush head and cap attached.
6. It's a bit pricey, but worth it in the long run when you consider the cost of regular professional cleaning
Overall, I'm very happy with this toothbrush, and look forward to using it for a long time to come.
Rated: 4.5 stars
Amanda Richards, September 29, 2007
By Krishna M. Sadasivam (Tampa, FL USA)
I have to admit that I was quite a bit skeptical about the Philips Sonicare Toothbrush. I've used electronic toothbrushes (all battery operated) in the past, and never saw a compelling difference between using them versus the traditional 'manual' toothbrush.
So, trepiditiously, I tried the Sonicare....
The device itself was easy to install (you'll have to wait two hours after initially charging the unit before you can use it). The toothbrush comes with a handy gauge that indicates its charge. Using the Sonicare was extremely easy - there's a button on the back of the toothbrush unit that you have to press in order to activate the brush. One thing I quickly learned is to not turn the toothbrush 'on' with toothpaste before putting it in your mouth - doing so will result in your toothpaste lining the base of your sink instead of your mouth.
The unit isn't overly noisy, at least to me. Brushing was easy, unobtrusive, and fairly comfortable overall. The smaller toothbrush head makes it easy to clean those hard-to-reach places - leaving my teeth and gums shiny and my breath fresh. One thing I like in particular with the Sonicare is that you do not have to apply any force while brushing. (The common cause for gums to recede is usually due to over-brushing). You simply move the toothbrush around, and the brush vibrations take care of the rest.
There are 5 brushing modes you can choose from, including one for sensitive teeth. The package also includes a travel charger and a UV sanitizer, which kills any germs which may live on your toothbrush.
For most people, this unit is overkill - but it is well thought out and works well for its intended function. I personally enjoy using mine and would recommend it without reservation.
Update: my Philips Sonicare died last week. I called Customer Service up. They sent a new one out in 3 days (with no cost to me) and provided return shipping to send the old unit back. Excellent customer service!
By HowardM (Virginia)
I previously had a Sonicare Elite I had purchased at Costco about 2 years ago. I really liked it over the Oral B because the Brush heads looked more like a traditional toothbrush and seemed to feel better in my mouth vs the round heads of the Oral B.
I had 3 big issues with it though.
1. It was very large and not comfortable to hold.
2. The vibration on it was crazy insane.
3. Water/Toothpaste would get into the brush head and turn all yellow and nasty.
I picked up the Sonicare FlexCare the other day and all 3 of these issues are taken care of. Its slimmer, less vibration and the toothbrush head is much smaller and just slips easily on top of a metal rod.
I'm not sure if the UV Sanitizer thing is worth it, you can't really tell if its killing germs or not but I've put the brush heads in it a few times and it seems to cause no harm so what the heck.
The old brushheads use to say they would last 6 months but the new ones are rated at 3 months. I'm going to guess the price of the brushheads are cheaper now too because they are smaller and don't have all the extra parts the older model has, I guess I'll know in about 3 months when it comes time for a replacement.
I am sorta dissatisfied with the carrying case, it looks pretty cheap. But it is nice that Philips decided to give you a small charge adapter that you can bring on a trip.
Overall Philips did a nice job on the upgrade.
By Jennifer Ray (Nashville, TN United States)
DEVICE INSTALL/SETUP
The Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush required no complicated setup, simply removing the items from the packaging and plugging it in.
MANUALS/DOCUMENTATION
I was pleased to find that not only does this product come with very informative, concise written instructions, but the manuals can also be easily downloaded from the Philips' website in PDF format. This is very handy for those of us who don't always keep up as easily with the printed manuals, or who prefer to be able to text search the manual for the information we need.
FUNCTIONALITY
I have never used an electric toothbrush of any kind before, and although I've been intrigued by the idea for some time, I was a little nervous to use this one at first. Turning the toothbrush on for the first time didn't alleviate my nervousness much, as the device certainly SOUNDS powerful. To my relief, actually using the toothbrush was painless, although the first few times it tickled a bit. I have been using the toothbrush daily since September 21, 2007 and am happy to report that this product performs as advertised. In fact, my teeth feel and look as good as if I've just had them cleaned at the dentist's office. I'm brushing in half the time I did manually, and the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush is doing twice as good a job as I ever did with a standard toothbrush.
The toothbrush is packaged with a number of items, including a travel case and a travel charger which packs in a toiletry bag much easier than the countertop charger with the built in sanitizer. Also included is two toothbrush heads, a compact size and a full size.
I use the sanitizer faithfully each time I brush my teeth, but to be perfectly honest, I don't know how to judge whether the sanitizer is really making any difference or not. I love the idea of it, and I hope that it is truly keeping my toothbrush germ-free.
I particularly love the massaging function on the toothbrush, designed to prevent gingivitis by massaging the gums. With just over two weeks of regular use, I can already tell a difference here. Using the massager stimulates the gums, making them stronger and healthier. The cleaning routine I prefer, the `MaxCare', includes massage in the routine for each tooth quadrant, making it easy to incorporate into your daily brush habit without extra effort.
Speaking of the cleaning routines, there are two: MaxCare, and GoCare. I've tested the one-minute GoCare routine and found it acceptable for a rush job, but I much prefer to perform the full MaxCare routine, which runs through a 4-quadrant brush and massage cycle in three minutes. There aren't many times I can't spare my teeth that extra two minutes, and my dental health is important. After running through the brush and massage cycle for each of the four quadrants (upper front, upper back, lower front, and lower back), the toothbrush automatically shuts off.
EASE OF USE
There are a number of buttons on both the base charger/sanitizer and the cordless toothbrush, but they are simple to learn and easy to use. After checking the manual once on how to activate the cleaning routines, I've not needed to consult it again for this information. The sanitizer activates with a simple push of the button on top of the unit and shuts off automatically when it completes the sanitizing cycle.
QUALITY/DURABILITY
Of course, I'll be better able to report on this area in a year, but the product seems sturdy and built for long-term use, unlike some hardware which feels more like it is made for disposability. The product inspires confidence in me that Philips truly means this unit to last the consumer for many years, only needed to replace consumable parts such as the toothbrush heads periodically.
VALUE
This area is the real kicker. I love the toothbrush, and find myself extremely satisfied with all of its parts and features, as well as the results of brushing with it diligently for almost three weeks. Is it worth the initial investment? I think that is a question better answered by looking at your own budget and how important your dental health is to you. The general person will not likely spend this much on a toothbrush, sonic or not. In fact, it is the pricing on these units that made me waffle over the decision to invest in one for the last year. Having used it, I am now confident that it is worth the price, and am looking forward to fewer dental visits, other than the general check-ups necessary. Again, only time will tell here if that is wishful thinking on my part or a true benefit.
In the end, this is no doubt a luxury item for most, more likely to end up under the Christmas tree for those who are interested in a sonic toothbrush.
QUICK RECAP - PROS & CONS
Easy to use - I adapted easily to the button functions on the unit.
Durable - the parts feel sturdy and built to last.
Pricing a little high for most - more likely a luxury expense or gift item.
Replacement parts - Brush heads are easily ordered through [...], but I am uncertain if they can be purchased in local stores. Philips Sonicare ProResults HX6013 Brush Head Standard 3pk
Performance - Brushing with the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush leaves your teeth feeling like you've just had them professionally cleaned.
